New Indiana first lady offers gun safety training during weekend inaugural events

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Published: Monday, 09 January 2017 18:11

EDINBURGH, Ind. — First lady-designee Janet Holcomb started her husband’s inauguration weekend out with a bang.

Janet Holcomb, a National Rifle Association certified shooting and safety training instructor, hosted a virtual weapon training experience with nearly 450 constituents Saturday. The purpose of the event was instruct Hoosiers on proper weapon training and allow them to personally meet the Holcomb family outside the Statehouse. 

Hoosiers from throughout the state participated in virtual weapon training at Camp Atterbury. The training is the same training that is used by the National Guard. Photo by Adrianna Pitrelli, TheStatehouseFile.com

“I am excited to be here and I am glad for you to be able to enjoy this technology,” Janet Holcomb said. “These guns are set up like a regular firearm would be. What you train is what you do.”

The virtual weapon training used Saturday is the same equipment used by the National Guard to train for combat. The weapon system functions like a real gun but shoots laser beams rather than bullets.

Her passion for gun training hasn’t always been part of her life. After the Holcomb home was broken into twice, she became interested in training. She is now a multi-discipline shooter, focusing in pistol, shotgun and rifle shooting. 

Mary Hendrick, of Indianapolis, and her husband made their way to Camp Atterbury to join in on the training. The couple, both licensed to carry weapons, said they wanted the opportunity to learn more about gun safety as well as get to know the governor-elect’s wife.

“We were just really excited to take part in some of the inaugural activities that are going on this weekend,” Hendrick said. “Not only are we Holcomb supporters, we are also gun owners so this event really appealed to us on a personal level.”

Gov.-elect Eric Holcomb introduces his wife, Janet Holcomb. The Holcombs hosted a virtual weapon training experience Saturday at Camp Atterbury as part of their inaugural events. Photo by Adrianna Pitrelli, TheStatehouseFile.com

Janet Holcomb leads training classes throughout the state and said she enjoys sharing her passion for the shooting sport and personal protection with other women, in particular.

Gov.-elect Eric Holcomb said Saturday’s event symbolizes not only his wife but also the state’s reputation.

“When I think of Janet, I think of someone who is strong, who is focused, who is precise and sometimes a little bit stealthy,” the governor-elect said. “And that’s Indiana — especially where we are going and where we come from. We are going to be strong, focused and precise too.”

Gov.-elect Eric Holcomb will shoot hoops Sunday at Hinkle Fieldhouse with Hoosier families as part of the pre-inaugural events. He, along with the new lieutenant governor, superintendent of public instruction and attorney general, will be sworn into office Monday.

Article writer Adrianna Pitrelli is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.